This week in THN: Feb. 20, 2012

• Will Evgeni Malkin’s vast power carry him to a Hart Trophy? Ken Campbell explores the phenomenal season Malkin has had leading the injury-riddled Penguins and the league in scoring.

• In his Editor’s Notebook, Jason Kay writes of impending CBA doom, but that there’s plenty of time for the men in power to become heroes.

• In the THN Inbox, the best letters to the editor are printed, Adam Proteau answers questions on contraction, Daniel Alfredsson and Mike Comrie and the results of an online poll are revealed.

• In Inside Hockey, we look at the new face of fighters, who bring many more skills to the table than just hard knuckles; plus-minus shares the best and worst of the hockey world; ECHL Alaska Aces forward Wes Goldie is rewriting the record books, but still hasn’t earned a call-up; and more.

• Ken Campbell looks at the story of Sean Venedam, who had his leg amputated, but still found a way to play the game he loves.

• Adam Proteau looks at the phenomenal year of Claude Giroux as he challenges Malkin in the MVP race.

• In The Straight Edge, Ryan Kennedy wants to see NHL rinks have their own personality as MLB baseball parks do.

• In Team Reports, we look at Jason Pominville’s bounce back season, albeit in a down year for the Sabres; Jonathan Quick has become one of the league’s most consistent goalies in recent years, but playing on the West Coast he doesn’t seem to be getting the attention he deserves; plus we have depth charts for all 30 NHL teams, including the first power play unit.

• In Prospect Report, we look at how Philippe Cornet has blossomed with the Oklahoma City Barons; 2013 draft eligible Marko Dano may still be young, but his passionate, physical play is leaving scouts with a great impression; and the lightning-quick J.T. Brown is lighting up the U.S. college ranks with Minnesota-Duluth.

• In Backchecking, we catch up with Ron Duguay, who was remembered as much for his offensive flair as his wild hair.

• We share a select few photos from THN’s All-Star Closing Night Party in Ottawa.

• In Last Minute of Play Larry Humber’s crossword puzzle provides readers with a challenge; Jersey Hound looks at the Lethbridge Hurricanes’ throwback to their days as the Sugar Kings; and our Blast from the Past features Robert Lang impersonating Bobby Orr.